Carlton CofE Primary School, Bedford

In its own words: "We are a Voluntary Controlled Church of England Primary School for 4-11 year olds based in North Bedfordshire. The Carlton Way: At Carlton we teach with compassion in a creative and collaborative Christian community that promotes a love of learning, growth and success for all."

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Carlton Church of England Primary School, we believe happy children learn best when pupils feel safe and supported, they gain confidence to explore all opportunities. Our ethos? Happy children thrive! Choosing the right school is a big decision."

The school runs a breakfast club from 8:00am and after-school care until 6:00pm.

In 2025, 92% of Year 6 pupils at Carlton CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 67% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 70% in Bedford and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 71% in reading and 79% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 6 families put Carlton CofE Primary School as their first choice and 14 named it as one of their preferences, for 6 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Carlton CofE Primary School are Harrold Primary Academy (0.7 miles, Good, 88% reading, 94% maths); Turvey Primary School (2 miles, Good, 100% reading, 86% maths); Lavendon School (2.6 miles, 65% reading, 88% maths); and Pinchmill Primary School (2.8 miles, Good, 43% reading, 43% maths).

Carlton CofE Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 4 schools.

41 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Carlton CofE Primary School (as of September 2025): 76% would recommend the school, 90% say their child is happy there and 100% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (100%); the weakest, that the school has high expectations for their child (71%).

6.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 3.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (69%) and Mixed (21%).

Carlton CofE Primary School had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 16 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Carlton CofE Primary School.

10 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is The Playing Field (adjacent), 170 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 5 crimes within a mile of the school, most often criminal damage and arson, shoplifting and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Bedford (136).

In 2024/25, Carlton CofE Primary School issued 1 suspension, 1.1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.